Because actions speak louder than words…
The Bâtonnage Mentorship Program was designed to stir our conversations about equality into actions that create equity.
This program serves to create a pragmatic, positive, inclusive course forward wherein individuals who have traditionally been overlooked or spoken over achieve equal opportunities, equal representation and especially equal leadership positions within all sectors and tiers of our industry.
For any inquiries or comments relating to the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program, please contact our Core Committee at mentorship@batonnageforum.com.
Our goal is to create an inclusive space for constructive conversation (and action) surrounding all different facets of the wine industry; it has never been about making a profit. Now, we are making it official and applying for status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This process takes time and money, so we need your help. You can show your support for this program by making a pledge here.
We offer three progressing levels of mentorship in five Industry Areas of Focus (IAF):
Mentorship Program Levels
Level 1 – Communication and Networking
Level 1 is focused on networking, communication, and welcoming candidates interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry. The wine industry hosts myriad career options, and navigating the decision to further your career within it can be daunting, especially when access to leaders and their time is challenging to obtain. The objective of Level 1 is to create an inclusive, inviting space for candidates to ask questions and learn from experiences of participating mentors. Instead of matching mentees with a specific mentor at this point, mentees are offered the flexibility to read through mentors’ bios and experiences, then approach mentors based on interest in and questions around that possible career path. Mentors and mentees interact for a 1-hour session to allow candidates to ask questions, clarify ideas to pursue a career, and verify concepts regarding the industry.
Resources, Commitment and Application
Bâtonnage provides a guide of topics to help guide conversation, plus a list of educational resources relevant to this aspect of the industry along with job search resources and suggested reading material.
Time Commitment: 1 hour per candidate conversation; mentor can choose to offer one session for multiple candidates or speak 1-on-1 as available
Mentor Requirements : Bio, photo, confirmed number of sessions to be offered
Mentee Requirements : Resume, letter of intent
Read what people said about the 2021 Level 1 program.
Application period for mentors and mentees for the 2022 program will open in fall 2021.
Level 2 – Resources, Guidance, Education
Level 2 is geared towards candidates with a demonstrated interest in a particular IAF in the wine industry. The main objective of this program is candidate preparedness, confidence building and skills-based assessment. This will be a relationship-intensive program where each mentee will be paired with a specific mentor base on criteria and details filed through the application process. Mentors will authentically and practically evaluate each mentee’s strengths, field of passion, and technical skills. Communication can be via email, phone, Zoom or in-person as practical. The mentor will spend 5-8 hours with their mentee to review the details of their resume, to assess specific skills, and to set goals and practice job interview-specific tactics. Mentors will also make themselves generally available for professional guidance.
Resources, Commitment and Application:
Bâtonnage provides a reference for each IAF to guide candidates, plus a questionnaire to lead interactions and help mentors get to know their mentees. A field-specific education resources list will also be provided. Mentors selected for this level will have demonstrated skills in the particular field and a minimum two years of work experience in the specific IAF.
Time Commitment: Minimum 5-8 hours per candidate
Mentor Requirements Bio, photo, IAF and highlight of any specific skills
Mentee Requirements: Resume, letter of intent, one letter of reference, formal application
Mentee applications are now being accepted through April 30. Click the link below to apply.
Level 3 – Internships, Placements, Training Programs
Level 3 equips candidates to enter, gain experience, and grow in the wine industry by creating hands-on work opportunities and experiences for candidates that will further their career progress in the wine industry and their IAF. Candidates selected for this program will have a basic education related to their field and clarity in terms of desired career growth. The mentorship program will directly provide mentees with relevant exposure to aspects of their IAF. This program relies on committed companies and organizations willing to create specific programs that provide candidates with real work experience to further their careers and propel progress and inclusivity in our industry. The program includes aspects of Level 1 and Level 2 while simultaneously providing candidates with tangible, meaningful experience directly in their IAF.
Resources, Commitment and Application:
Mentors will be provided with all resources outlined above for Levels 1 and 2. Bâtonnage will work with companies and organizations interested in committing to this program to help define the specific outcomes of their unique mentorship program along with a commitment to help the candidate further advance their specific goals in their IAF.
Time Commitment: 1-6 months, including 2-40 hours per week, per candidate
Mentor Requirements: Company Bio, photo, IAFand highlight of all IAF-specific skills to be obtained by candidate’s completion of program, program syllabus and timeline for completion, transparency and full disclosure of candidate compensation package including and not limited to salary, stipend, housing, transportation
Mentee Requirements: Resume, letter of intent, one letter of reference, formal application
Mentor applications are now being accepted. Please review application below.
Post-Mentorship Feedback Process
All program levels provide confidential feedback programs to allow candidates and mentors to comment on their experiences. Bâtonnage uses this feedback to evolve and improve the program and compile a more comprehensive list of resources that benefit all participants.
Resources & Contact
Bâtonnage encourages candidates interested in or actively pursuing a career in wine to utilize the resource compendium for continued professional development. Inclusion of a resource in this list does not mean that Bâtonnage endorses its authors or beliefs/values, nor do we have any affiliation with them—only that the education one may glean from the included source has proven valuable to many of your peers in the industry.
For any inquiries or comments relating to the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program, please contact our Core Committee at mentorship@batonnageforum.com.
Bâtonnage Mentorship Program Partners
We are very grateful for the generous donation made by Napa Valley Vintners, to support the growth of this program and serve as a resource to provide scholarships for our Level 3 mentees.
Interested in becoming a partner? Please send us an email or complete this form.
